Wi-Fi Pentest
Wi-Fi networks extend the internal environment to potential external attackers within range. Are your wireless networks secured? Are your public guest networks truly isolated from the private network?
Content
What does a Wi-Fi pen test entail?
Security risks to Wi-Fi networkand
What are the benefits of a Wi-Fi pen test?
Meaning
A Wi-Fi pentest, consists of exploring and analyzing the connections between all devices connected to an organization's Wi-Fi connection. These devices include laptops, tablets, smartphones and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The purpose is to discover vulnerabilities that could be exploited by an attacker and to determine the feasibility of an attack. Wireless pen tests are usually conducted at the customer's location, as the pen tester must be within range of the wireless signal to gain access.
What does a Wi-Fi Pentest entail?
Wireless networks are generally regarded by hackers as ideal access points to an organization's systems. Typically, they are difficult to control, monitor and protect from malicious hackers. Therefore, many companies, institutions and government offices choose to have a external expert in wireless network security enable.
Regardless of how an organization's wireless network is structured, an IT security specialist can ensure that wireless security best practices are implemented. An integral part of maintaining wireless network security and availability is to perform a pen test for wireless networks. Such a process combines the latest attack techniques to expose vulnerabilities in the perimeter of an organization's wireless network.
Advice on a pen test for your Wi-Fi network?
Don't hesitate to contact us; we would be happy to tell you more about everything concerning Cybersecurity.
Security risks to Wi-Fi networks
In addition to vulnerabilities in the network being explored, a Wi-Fi pen test can discover other major security threats. The three most common types of threats are Rogue Access Points, Pineapples and Evil Twins.
Rogue Access Points
A rogue access point, or an unauthorized access point on a secure wireless network, may not have been set up with criminal intent. It may exist by accident or be created by an authorized employee or contractor. Either way, any rogue access point poses a significant threat to the security of the entire network.
While other wireless access points are authorized, a rogue access point is an unauthorized (and therefore likely unmonitored) access point. It can give criminals a backdoor into the WLAN to install malware, steal money and data, or modify systems on the network.
Rogue access points usually arise under one of the following three circumstances:
Accident
It's more common than you think. Many security systems don't take into account the Wi-Fi connection of printers that can be an open door to your entire network. Major data breaches can start with the back door of a printer or other unsuspected wireless access point.
Convenience
A rogue access point of convenience occurs when an employee or contractor, who is authorized to access the network, creates an access point for which he or she is not authorized. The expectation of "WiFi" and a lack of knowledge about security risks play a major role in creating these rogue access points.
For example, an employee can bring their own wireless router or hub from home and connect to the organization's network without anyone knowing. This hotspot essentially creates an unsupervised access point and leaves a gaping hole in wireless cybersecurity. Worst of all, the employee doing this normally thinks he is helping by solving a problem without bothering the IT department.
Malice
A cybercriminal can also intentionally create a rogue access point through unauthorized access, social engineering or employee fraud.
Pineapple
A pineapple is a pocket-sized device that mimics the wireless local area network and places itself between the user and the WLAN to intercept data.
Evil Twins
An "Evil Twin" network is a wireless network set up to look like a safe, trusted network. In reality, it is a network run by cybercriminals, who compromise the device, data and all the systems they have access to. These dangerous doorways to your system can be created for any WLAN and are often an indicator of an incident or breach in progress.
What are the benefits of a Wi-Fi pen test?
Wireless systems are vulnerable and much easier to hack than a wired local area network. The means to exploit vulnerabilities literally float in the air and attackers, making business Wi-Fi networks often prime opportunities for malicious hackers.
In addition to preventing potential network attacks, there are a number of other benefits of conducting wireless pen tests. These include:
- Companies can stay abreast of their network vulnerabilities in the face of constantly evolving threats
- Organizations can take necessary measures to shield their Wi-Fi signals from intrusion attempts
- Regular pen tests allow organizations to identify employees who may need more training in, for example, creating stronger passwords or recognizing phishing Emails
- Wi-Fi pen tests can help discover and remediate weak and insecure applications with wireless connectivity in mind
- Organizations can identify risks such as vulnerable endpoint devices, routers, local servers or network devices
Why your easiest access point requires the best security
Wi-Fi networks and other wireless access points can be easy ways for a cybercriminal to penetrate your system. There are no locks to crack, no people to trick, and the whole operation can be done in a parking lot close to the target. It can also sometimes give attackers direct access to an internal network without having to breach further security measures.
Many cybercriminals conduct their search for targets using a tactic known today as "Wardriving." This involves searching for a WiFi network from a moving vehicle using laptops, smartphones and mobile devices.
Because wireless networks are such a big target for cybercriminals, compliance with various security standards requires that wireless networks also be scrutinized with security in mind. Having Wi-Fi pen tests performed helps organizations understand what is vulnerable, what is at stake and how to target resources for recovery.
How Warpnet conducts a Wi-Fi pen test
Your Wi-Fi pen test begins with an intake meeting to establish the scope, goals and "Rules of Engagement" of the pen test. Our exact approach may vary based on the size and complexity of the network.
The simplified steps of a Wi-Fi pen test typically include:
- Collect wireless security information
- Collecting data on the wireless network
- Analyzing wireless implementation
- Analyze internal wireless security procedures
- Trying to crack wireless passwords, grant unauthorized access, increase permissions and capture sensitive data
Upon completion, everything we discovered is compiled into a clear report. The valuable information contained in the report can be used to prioritize vulnerabilities by risk level and take immediate action to protect your organization.
We review:
- What we did
- What we found and where
- Evidence of any problems or threats
- A thorough explanation of each discovered risk
- Expert recommendations for recovery and system hardening